Suzuki Baleno reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Suzuki Baleno is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 72 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 421 of 442, and 25.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is ball joint dust cover (8.2% of tests).
Ranked 421 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 6,644 Suzuki Balenos aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 25.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Suzuki Baleno is 39% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
25.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,000
Typical age at test: 7 years
Suzuki Baleno MOT failure rate by age
Most common Suzuki Baleno MOT faults
- Ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.2% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0% of tests
- Horn: not working2.1% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.7% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.5% of tests
What the Suzuki Baleno fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10.1% | ▲ 3.0× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 6.1% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 5.9% | About average |
| Brakes | 5.7% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Visibility | 5.7% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.3% | ▼ 78% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.3% | ▼ 18% less often |
How much is road tax on a Suzuki Baleno?
Any Suzuki Baleno first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Suzuki Baleno registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSuzuki Baleno specs and running costs
Official figures for 7 versions sold in the UK between 2019 and 2019.
Fuel types
Petrol
Power
90–112 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baleno 1.2 Dualjet90 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Baleno 2019 1.2 Dualjet SZ390 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Baleno 2019 1.0 Boosterjet SZ5111 PS · A6 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Baleno 2019 1.0 Boosterjet SZ5111 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Baleno 2019 1.0 Boosterjet SZ-T111 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Baleno 1.0 Boosterjet112 PS · A6 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Baleno 1.0 Boosterjet112 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
Buying a used Suzuki Baleno?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Suzuki models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Suzuki Baleno reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Suzuki Baleno is 39% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 72 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Suzuki Baleno?
The most common MOT fault is “Ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, found in 8.2% of tests. It fails on suspension and visibility more often than similar cars.
›How much is road tax on a Suzuki Baleno?
Any Suzuki Baleno first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Suzuki Baleno registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
›How many Suzuki Balenos fail their MOT?
25.4% of Suzuki Balenos aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Suzuki Baleno combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.